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“He did a good job with some of our read zones and gap zones,” Malzahn said. “He also did a good job when things broke down.”

Many of the same read-option play calls went to John Franklin III and Jeremy Johnson in Auburn’s opening week loss to Clemson.

White finally got the chance against Arkansas St. to show he can successfully take advantage of Malzahn’s full playbook.

“The defense definitely has to respect me running and it’s something I feel like I haven’t been able to show, you know, I showed it a little bit this game and I think that’s something I have to do all year,” White said.

White’s production Saturday nearly doubled his career total. Last year, he carried the ball 30 times for 35 yards. The quarterback didn’t run the ball well the second half of the season, but that had a lot to do with the multiple injuries (knee and foot) he suffered.

“I wouldn’t say I’m Nick Marshall, but I definitely think I can run better than I showed last year due to being young and injured,” White said when he was named the starter.

Much of White’s success on the ground Saturday night came by attacking the middle of the defense. He had two long first down runs (14-yards, 20-yards) running through large holes in the defensive line.

White fought for every extra yard taking some nasty hits in the process.

“He is a tough guy that just plays football and that’s the way he plays,” Malzahn said. “His teammates like that about him.”

War Eagle Extra

Jordan D. Hill has covered high schools and athletes in the Bi-City area for the Ledger-Enquirer since January 2017. Prior to coming to Columbus, Hill was a freelancer for The Macon Telegraph and an intern for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A native of Jasper, Georgia, Hill is a graduate of Pickens High School and the University of Georgia.